How to Repair a Leaking Roof

In order to repair a leaking roof you will first need to determine exactly where the leak is coming from. Leaks can travel along beams and trusses before they are actually visible as a leak. Once you have determined the exact location of the leak you can decide what you need to do for the repair process.

Skylights:

Skylight openings can develop leaks rather easily but these kinds of leaks are usually simple to repair. It may be difficult to find the exact location of the leak and you may want to reseal the entire area with a quality roofing tar compound or caulk. Clean the area you are going to repair well and remove any loose or damaged sealant first.

Flashings and vents:

Leaks can also occur around roof penetrations. If the flashing has become damaged you may wish to completely replace it. You can also install new flashing over the old. Again remember to clean the area well and remove any loose material. Use a roofing caulk to seal any nail holes and flashing edges.

Damaged shingles:

Shingles can become damaged from hail storms and high winds. If only one or two shingles are slightly bent you may be able to adhere them back into place with a roofing adhesive. If any shingles have become badly damaged they should be replaced. Before you replace any shingles check the underlying felt and sheathing for damage. If the felt or sheathing has been damaged it should be replaced before new shingles are installed.

Roof leaks can also be caused by ice dams that form in the winter. As ice and snow melt from the warmer areas of the roof the water will run down and refreeze along the outer edges. Ice dams then form and push water up underneath the shingles. Proper ventilation of the roof will help prevent ice dams from forming. Adding an ice and rain shield is recommended in particularly cold climates.

If you need to replace a large section of shingles and felt you may want to consider adding a weather guard barrier. Weather guard or an ice and rain shield is sold in rolls similar to roofing felt. It is a rubberized self-adhesive material that will provide superior damage protection.

Most building supply stores carry a wide range of roof repairing materials. Purchase the correct product for the type of repair you are planning. Patching compounds are available for use on flat roofs and they can be used on shingled roofs but the appearance of the compound may not be what you want. If you have multiple leaks and an older roof you might be better off having a new roof installed. In the long run this may be more cost effective than the time and money spent continually repairing leaks.